Kashtin (album)

Kashtin is the self-titled debut album by the Canadian folk rock duo Kashtin, released in 1989. Kashtin consisted of Claude McKenzie and Florent Vollant, two Innu musicians from the Maliotenam reserve in Quebec. The album is notable for being one of the first commercially successful albums sung almost entirely in the Innu language (also known as Innu-aimun or Montagnais).

The album features a blend of acoustic guitars, folk melodies, and Innu cultural influences. Its songs address themes of nature, spirituality, identity, and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada.

Kashtin (album) achieved significant popularity in Quebec and across Canada, helping to bring Innu language and culture to a wider audience. It played a crucial role in raising awareness of Indigenous music and contributing to the growth of Indigenous artists in the Canadian music scene. Several singles from the album, including "E Uassiuian" and "Tshinanu," became radio hits. The success of the album paved the way for Kashtin's subsequent albums and solidified their place as pioneers in Indigenous Canadian music.